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Opinions Robert McWhirter
5N PlusVNP.TOBUYApr 08, 2008
Not part of his database. Analysts are expecting 40% growth going forward for the solar industry. Provide product to First Solar (FSLR-Q), which has the lowest cost per watt. New European plant delayed but expected to come on stream in June. First Solar has a new plant coming on in 6 months, which should help dramatically. Biggest risk is their single customer reliance. Speculative.
Robert McWhirterOwned
$11.88
Stock price when the opinion was issued
$43.88
As of Jun 19, 2026. Market Open.
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TOP PICK
5.75% June 30/19. Rare earths and metals. Short term (5 years). A little over 6% yield now.
Joey MackOwned
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DON'T BUY
He is still short the stock. The problem with this company is the balance sheet. Made a major acquisition of some of the raw materials that go into the solar supply chain but took on a significant amount of debt. Solar industry has been in serious decline.
James HodginsOwned
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TOP PICK
Top Short Solar business has just been a disaster in the last year. This company provides components and some of the raw materials into this sector. Collapsing prices and subsidies disappearing. Cheap natural gas is a clean alternative to solar. Have a lot of debt.
James HodginsOwned
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TOP PICK
Originally specialized in tellurium and cadmium telluride the core guts of what is used in solar cells. Acquired a company in April, which diversifies them into other industry products. Just reported earnings, which were very significant. Sales growth up over 460%. 15% ROE. Dirt cheap.
Robert McWhirterOwned
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PAST TOP PICK
TOP PICK
Primary material supplier to First Solar. There are other potential customers lining up. There virtually have no competition. Tremendous balance sheet, lots of cash.
Peter HofstraOwned
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HOLD
Their biggest customer just came out with good earnings, so this stock jumped also. That customer really wants some alternate sources so there will be other competitors coming into the picture.
Peter HodsonOwned
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DON'T BUY
One of the best companies in this sector. Produce the product that goes into solar panels. Made close to 30% net margin after taxes last quarter. Extremely well run. Because energy prices have come down, and no one can finance new projects demand for solar panels has dropped dramatically. Sold his holdings because of the risk for the next few quarters.
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TOP PICK
Key supplier to First Solar (FSLR-Q) for the thin-film version of the solar panel. Doesn't use sand, but cadmium telluride instead, which is rare and hard to come by. Have a virtual monopoly on this.
Peter HofstraOwned
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PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jan 31/08. Down 20.4%.) Supplies First Solar (FSLR-Q) with specialty metals. Still growing and have a very tight relationship with the fastest growing solar company in the world. Still a Buy.
Peter HodsonOwned
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